Hi Everyone! Would you like to be in England for Remembrance Day? You came to the right place! MUSICA
I want to show you this wonderful thing that happens in England the second Sunday of November which Joe and I discovered a little bit by accident when we were visiting. 🍂 
It’s actually a lovely tradition that started in America in 1920 when the Poppy flower was proclaimed by the United States to be our national emblem of Remembrance. For Armistice Day, for never forgetting, and for the prayer of peace. See Joe? See that red poppy on his jacket?
Here he is, walking home from shopping at Blenheim Castle in Woodstock Oxfordshire, with a poppy on his jacket. Because, in November, all over the United Kingdom (Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, too) . . .
. . . you rarely see anyone who isn’t wearing a poppy at this time of year. For some reason the tradition didn’t catch on for America’s Veterans Day, but it is huge over there. I wish I’d taken a photo in a train station, so you could see how popular it is, these little splashes of red hurrying hither and yon. You get used to it, then you start to fall in love with it, and especially the idea behind it.
This is Joe and Paul ( Rachel’s adorable husband, English man extraordinaire, one of your funnier and more charming humans on the earth), both of them poppy-decked of course.
We went to a dinner, and everyone was wearing a poppy . . .
Me too . . .
And Rachel too.
For a donation to the Royal British Legion ~ a pound for a poppy, you can pin one of these to your coat. The appeal raises millions for the care of British Veterans and their dependents, and by the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the whole country is decked in solidarity-red for Remembrance.
We read the paper and learned the significance of the Poppy.
As the years went by, other wars and more loss, “between the crosses, row on row, that mark our place…” to what was the war to end all wars, the first world war. Flanders Fields were the battlefields in France where so many were lost, the “western front”. . . is now covered in poppies for remembrance. And a beautiful heartbreaking poem was written:
The first Poppy Day was celebrated in England in 1921, and has continued every year since.
There will be no forgetting . . . the whole country shows their gratitude and old men wear their uniforms on the street with pride. I think maybe because when bombs literally fall on your house and your neighbor’s house, on your church, in your garden, you have a different relationship to war than others who were mercifully spared that experience.You turn on the radio, and there’s Vera Lynn singing We’ll Meet Again back in the day with the voices of servicemen and their sweethearts singing along, and you can feel the heart in the moment, and your own connection to it . . .
Poppies are everywhere, including pillows and sachets in the Blenheim Castle gift shop.
And we ended up with a bouquet of them for our kitchen counter.
You would find them on the street in simple little places . . .
And in the cities too . . . these are part of the Field of Remembrance, a small graveyard set up each year next to Westminster Abbey in London.
And there are remembrances in every small town . . .
This particular Remembrance Day found us in downtown Woodstock where we were staying, a small town in Oxfordshire with a population of 3,000, which is just 
around the corner from Blenheim Castle where Winston Churchill was born. Now Winston Churchill has a special place in my heart, for more reasons than one. The marriage between his American great grandmother Aurora Murray to Isaac Jerome produced a granddaughter, Winston’s mother, Jennie Jerome. That’s her in this picture. My grandmother is Irene Murray, and through her lineage I discovered that Winston Churchill is my 8th cousin! (If you go sideways far enough back, you’ll find everyone is related to everyone!)
XOXO
We came upon this solemn scene by happy accident. We were just walking back to the High Street after visiting Blenheim Castle (we stayed at the Bear Hotel ~ some parts of it 900 years old, you can see it in the video on the right), and didn’t know what was going on when we saw a crowd had gathered, families, babies, and dogs, people of all ages, clergy and soldiers too. It was 11 am on Remembrance Sunday, and the village had stopped to honor Armistice Day as they had done for 95 years, for all those who served and died in war ~ we learned that this quiet remembrance happened in every small and big town in England at this same moment every year, the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month. MUSICA.
Tradition is such a beautiful thing. Honoring the people who built the world, who came before us is such a right thing to do. Afterwards we discovered that Winston Churchill was buried nearby, in a tiny churchyard in a small village called Bladon. So off we went through the golden air of the English Countryside with this music playing in our car to find Churchill’s grave. 🍂
When we found the tiny village of Bladon, we fretted about leaving our car parked halfway in the narrow street, 
only a bit more than one car wide, but it was the best we could do and still be in the town. How they could have had a state burial for one of the most famous people in the world in this teeny place with zero parking is a mystery. But look at that beautiful stone house. See the roof line, all curvy and crunchy from age? I always stop to marvel that they kept the beauty and history of what came before as times changed and such things as bathrooms and electricity were invented ~ how they did it is beyond me, but they did!
Nothing in the town had changed since the day the Prime Minister was laid to rest, except the people. The generations have turned over more than once.
We walked through the quiet, echoing streets of the village looking for the church listening to the birds singing . . .
. . . enjoying cottages and curtains . . .
. . . and people who brought nature inside.
We peeked in the windows at the far end of this house with the amazing vine . . .
. . . and saw these in the little panes of glass! It was the Studio of a sculptor . . . ohhh, I wanted to go in so bad!
But it wasn’t to be . . . “Open Daily 10-6” said the card in the window, but another sign said, “Closed!” Travel is all about the serendipity!
I was perfectly happy wandering the lanes, taking pictures of the stone houses with names on them . . .
and of course, the little charmers out for a walk . . .
And there it was, the flag flying over St Martin’s Church . . . where the bells had just rung for Armistice Day.
A small, rather austere church . . . an unassuming village church like so many others wherever you go.
with lovely details
And a sweet peaceful graveyard, these being my favorite, family gravestones held in nature’s embrace.
Next to Churchill’s grave were simple elegant memorials, and benches for sitting.
with rather an amazing drain in the stone path ~ I had to take a photo of it!
Churchill’s grave sort of broke our hearts. Everything so real. I couldn’t help but think of my dad who had fought in WWII and had died a few months earlier. 😢 We’d been to Churchill’s wonderful house called Chartwell and learned about him and his fascinating wife Clementine ~ and here they were, buried together. History of the world, just waiting for us to find and remember and learn.
It’s actually his family burial ground, his mother, Jennie Jerome, Lady Randolph Churchill is buried in the center grave surrounded by the hedge.
Sure and certain hope.
Afterward we stopped at a nearby pub to read our paper and eat “Sunday Roast” ~ another wonderful old tradition, served in most British pubs every Sunday,
. . . a glorious menu consisting of your choice of beautifully cooked roast beef, roast chicken or roast pork ~ with Yorkshire Pudding, stuffing, roasted carrots, parsnips, and potatoes with gravy.
And poppies on the mantle . . .
After lunch we drove to Oxford to see Carrie and Stuart, who took us on a tour ~ here we are in one of the churches.
Then back to Carrie’s kitchen which was in full-remembrance mode. We had a wonderful visit with them . . . but when we got back to our rental house, I noticed I had lost the poppy from my jacket. wah. I know, I had another four in my poppy bouquet, but I hated losing even one.
We spent more weeks in England, taking long walks under blowing leaves, enjoying the fall, and did not return to America until late November ~ celebrating Thanksgiving on the ship, going home the old way, past the statue of liberty into New York harbor, dreaming our memories in the rocking of the boat.
And finally home, where Jack was waiting, and H❤️ME was waiting, and of course we brought our poppies home with us. A few days later, a surprise arrived in the mail from England.
It was a book-gift from Carrie, along with the poppy I’d dropped at her house! She found it and sent it back to me! Total perfection!And that’s my story for today, Girlfriends . . . Celebrate November 11 … Remember our Veterans. Study history, see how we got here. With life’s vagaries it’s a pure miracle we are!
Here is my kitchen this morning, sparkling with light from the sunrise…
It’s our time now . . . and one of the gifts of remembering is the gift of knowing the real and important things of life, and passing them to the ones we love . . . 
Clothespin caught a leaf, and I got to make a wish. So I think we can all make a wish!
Ah yes, time for tea! Hope you enjoyed our trip to England! Have a wonderful day! XOXO
I’ve had tears in my eyes the entire time I have read this. My Dad was a World War II vet and he was such a proud veteran. Amazing what they all gave up when the war broke up to go and fight for our country. My Dad passed in 2001 and I miss him every day. We always make sure we get poppies on Veteran’s Day.
Hello Susan thank you for the wonderful post. I buy poppies to wear every year whenever they are offered by sale. Last year my young JK students sent thank you cards to veterans in their family, many grandpas and uncles. We had many of them then send us a note and pictures of their time in the service. It was a wonderful experience for both my students and their veteran family members. I look forward to do it again this year. Maybe this year we will paint them poppies as a part of our cards for them. Loved all the pictures of your time in England.
Happy Day!
SueG
I loved hearing about the whole hearted Poppy remembrance.. We should do that here. Thanks for the trip to England.
I remember poppies on Veteran’s Day when I was little…50 some years ago! Now the school where I taught ( and am retired from but still substitute there and stay connected) does NOT close for the Veteran’s Day holiday, but rather invites the family and friends, especially the veterans, to come to a program honoring them and letting all the students know what Veteran’s Day is all about! I love that!
Thank you for another lovely post. Our poppy pins in Canada look a little different than in the UK, and most everyone wears them. Did you know John McCrae was Canadian?
I did! Makes it even better! Because we were all in it together. xoxo
Hi Susan,
Today’s post was just beautiful. We’ve always wear our poppies Veterans Day and Memorial Day. I’ve had family and friends in WW ll and Vietnam. I remember as a kid out of school on my first job, we stopped working at 11am on Veterans Day and faced East for a moment of silence. However, thru the years and many jobs later it seems the tradition faded away. I wonder if happens anymore? Autumn blessings to you and Joe.
P.S. Love the dishes.
Thank you so much for your post on remembrance poppies. It brought back a memory of me helping my late father,WW 2 vet, sell poppies I remember running around all crazy and excited selling the poppies to everyone I could stop and get to buy one. Just having a good time being with my dad. I was about age 8. I suppose it was years later I finally learned what the little red poppies meant I look forward every year to buying a remembrance poppy, reminding me of my Dad’s sacrifice and the sacrifices of all those who served.
SO enjoying hearing everyone’s memories. xoxoxo
Love your posts on England. My best friend of 40+ years was from England, I lost her 3 years ago, your stories are a sweet reminder. Thank you for that!
Must be so hard … to lose a best friend!
Once again your blog was charming. When I was at Stonehenge in June there was a field next to it of blooming poppies. I had never seen a whole for field of them.
😘🕷🎃🍂🍁🌻bless you
I so enjoy your posts because they are like a surprise package in the mail. I never know what I’ll find when I peel back the tissue paper! And if I’ve never mentioned it, I just love your choices of music.
Susan,
When I was in 8th grade, I memorized “In Flanders Field” and shook to my toes while reciting it. Your choices of the poem’s illustrations and The Great War’s site featuring “The Story Behind the Remembrance Poppy” will fill a research project during our snowy Adirondack days this winter. Thank you so much. I too escaped to Martha’s Vineyard many a time to reclaim myself and as an adult lived for 7 years in West Tisbury.
I love you blog posts! Thank you ever so much for sharing!
I love this! I wish the poppies they sold in the US were as cute;) Thanks for the reminder to remember veterans.
I definitely think cute helps!
Your blog is such a comforting and beautiful place to rest our world-weary hearts and minds, I’m always happy to see it in my inbox! Thanks for sharing the poppy tradition, I think it was bigger in the US 40 years ago! It would be nice if it experienced a comeback. Thanks for sharing. Linda D’Elia
I remember as a young girl going to the next town with our lovely librarian who set up a small table with jars of paper poppies on Veterans Day. My Dad and Uncles were WW11 veterans and she told me stories of her family members of WW1 service on the car ride. The faces of the folks who stopped to pin one on their coats was something that touched my soul. Thanks for remembering for me.
Susan, you are such a dear and such a gift, sharing such loveliness all the time with the world! Thank you for all you do, and for all the beauty you’ve brought to my house in books and calendars and bits here and there! <3
You are sweet to tell me Misty! xoxo
so beautiful. it seems that we have lost many of our traditions here. So thank you for this post. Happy Veterans day to all:)
Many of our US. Veterans pass out poppies at their Veteran stands. Always proud to wear one!
Thank you for this lovely tribute. Bless our veterans.
Dear Susan,
I’m old enough to remember when we had poppies for rememberance of those who served in this country. Haven’t seen them in years but it would be lovely to bring the tradition back, and I know our veterans could use the funds. I’m living in central Florida and we have many here who have served, and I always thank them for their service.
I always enjoy your posts so much, sitting with my cup of tea. Thank you so much.
This is one of my favorite Blogs. So much going on in the world that is worrisome and you have included so much poetry and happiness and outlooks that I’m feeling so much better. You are the Best to share your wonderful insights and optimism. Cheers and Happy thoughts!
Such a beautiful story, and gorgeous pictures!
I’ve had the privilege of visiting the National World War I museum located in Kansas City, MO. Upon entering the museum, you walk over a glass bridge that below it has 9000 poppies–each representing 1000 deaths–to total the nine million who were killed during the war. It is a sight to see! Needless to say, I bought several poppy-themed items from the gift shop there! I bet you would too! If you and Joe haven’t been there–I hope you get to. It’s imposing and impressive. You won’t be disappointed!
Thank you for talking about it Paula!
Susan, I don’t ever see my posts listed but I do know that you are a very, very special lady. So full of love and life. One day I shall visit England too and think of you. Your posts always make me smile and who doesn’t need a smile. Thank you forever.
Thank you back! xoxo
Beautiful Blog! We should always remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for us!
Thank you for sharing this lovely post. I was not aware of the story of the poppies before now. My father fought in the Pacific during WWII. He died in 1984.
An amazing post today, as always! As a Canadian who also have roots in England, I’m so honored you chose this topic today. Remembrance Day is a very important holiday here and one that is observed with great respect and ceremony. Thank you!
I was also enthralled to read about where Winston Churchill is buried. I was born on his birthday and have always had a bit of interest in this individual.
Wishing you and Joe a beautiful evening!
X Chy
Thank you, Susan for your thoughtful, observant, and heartfelt words. I look forward to each new post. I have long admired your artwork and cookbooks. Now I look forward to reading your blog. You bring sunshine to life!
Thank you for a wonderful sad blog. My Father was also a WW2 vet.
Also Nov. 11 th is my birthday.
Happy Birthday Alice!
Loved you bringing the poppy for remembrance back to the forefront. We should always remember those who gave all. Our country seems so divided right now; oh that the US would come together on November 11 and show that solidarity!
Please count me in as one who would LOVE to win in your drawing. 🙂
I hear the driving voices that tear us apart, telling us the “other” is bad. When I hear one of those voices, I know who the enemy is. Blessings for our wonderful America the Beautiful. xoxo
I LOVE that your poppy made it home to you!! We have Veterans at our small local bank offering poppies at the drive-thru….when my girls were little, the sweet gentlemen always made sure all four little girls had them attached to jacket buttons or in their hair
Thanks Susan, for a tender story that helps me focus. It gave me a rush of emotion for today is my Mother’s birthday. She would have been 85. She’s been gone 25 long years and I still miss her so much.
Happy Birthday to you and your mom Deborah. xoxo
I love all that you do. I fulfill my bucket list through you and your activities. These would go very nicely with my new cups. I made your Cranberry Apple Crisp last night. Delicious!!
Wonderful as always, Susan
Thanks for your post. I’ve seen the veterans selling poppies in years past but didn’t realize exactly where that tradition came from. Enjoyed all the pictures. Your posts are like sitting down with a good friend and hearing all about her day and what’s on her mind. As a fan of Gladys Taber, I always like seeing one of her quotes. Know that the time and effort you put in your posts are truly appreciated by we who read and enjoy them.
Reading your blog is always like sitting down with a friend for a chat. Thank you for sharing your days with us. Couldn’t help but wonder why we don’t raise money for our veterans in a similar way?
Susan, each blog you post is pure delight! My mother is learning to use her iPad by reading your blogs as they come out, and browsing your website. And if you knew what a “non-techie” she is, then you would glow in the magnitude of that statement.
LOL, ha ha ha, I am SO glowing!!! Kisses to your mom!
Your posts are like a visit from a dear friend – thank you.
We used to always see veterans with poppies. Now it is a rarity. We need to take to heart the lines from Flanders Field.
Thanks for reminding us that it really is a wonderful world. We need all the reminders that we can get!!!
whew you covered a lot, and in such a beautiful meaningful way, as usual! Thank you for sharing the HEAVEN inside of you!
XOXOX Evelyn.
Lovely post. I remember selling poppies one year, but I was very young and I doubt that I had any knowledge of why we were selling them. My Grandpa was a WWI vet, so I’ll bet he had a hand in it. That was in the early fifties and I don’t remember seeing anyone selling them after that.
Both my dad and father-in-law are Navy veterans. Thanks for a chance at the exciting dish giveaway!
What a great post. I will be buying poppies
A beautiful sentiment
I always enjoy your posts. I love to travel with you! You’ve had so many wonderful adventures! Thank you for sharing!
Love this post. I now know the poppys history. Lovely pictures. It’s all good. Thank you!
This was a beautiful sharing for us. I love the tradition of wearing the poppies also, and I find each year I miss seeing them more. My father flew air rescue missions over there during World War II, which I think accounts for a certain attraction I’ve always felt for that land. Thank you.
It makes me wonder what happened to our poppy days? I remember them growing up. I always love reading your posts I grab a tea and put my feet up.
What a generous giveaway.
Susan, It is always so wonderful to read your posts and get lost in your world….if only for a few minutes. Thank you!
I’d love the sweet heart dishes and the plaques and tea plates. That would certainly help with the Christmas list. Thanks
It was so interesting reading about the meaning of the poppy pins too!
How absolutely lovely- it lifts the spirit and brings smiles to the lips. Thank you, thank you for sharing.
Like so may others, I too, look forward to buying and wearing the Poppies sold by veterans each Veterans Day. The British have such lovely traditions. Thank you for this lovely post!
Dear Susan, you always share such uplifting and informative blogs with all of us. I love them all and am transported for a few minutes to “another world” through your stories and beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing hope, happiness, and love. Love from one Susan to another!!!!
Loved, loved, loved this post!
I appreciate you reminding us of the story of the poppies before Veterans/Remembrance Day. And fun to read the biography of Clementine Churchill!
Dear Susan,
What a beautiful heartfelt blog this was. I have always honored Remembrance Day, bought poppies when the American Legion sold them, and visited the graves of my beloved soldiers, but after reading the things that you wrote I see Remembrance Day is a whole new light. You are a gentle heart and soul Susan, and God Bless and Keep you.
Thanks for the reminder to remember.
I so enjoy your blog posts They have a calming effect Thank you for posting
Thank you also for offering another giveaway and please enter me
Hi Susan,
What a lovely walk down memory lane!
Canadian lapels are red with poppies around Nov 11. The tradition started here in 1921 as well. John McCrae was a physician & a Major in the Canadian armed forces when he wrote the poem in 1915. We had to memorize In Flanders Fields in elementary school. It’s such a beautiful poem. I’m in my 70’s & found the perfect book for our grandchildren: In Flanders Fields The Story of the Poem by John McCrae. Author Linda Granfield * Illustrated by Janet Wilson. She has interwoven the lines of the poem w/info about the war, details of life in the trenches & how he came to write the poem. It’s a beautiful book. Thank you for drawing attention to this important day.
I’ve been gathering your books for decades and I still enjoy every one…pages worn a little and wearing drips and splashes of the ingredients of oft repeated recipes!
❤️ Mary Lou
What a wonderful story of the poppies! When I ran an assisted living facility we always made paper poppies to give out to wear for Nov 11…our Veterans Day. But I hadn’t realized the full story behind them. Remembrance is a lovely thing. Thank you!
Thank you Susan for this post on “Poppy Day”. We should never forget our veterans and what they have done to keep us free. God Bless those who continue to serve.
My great grandad died in the great war in 1918. He made it home to our
hometown in north-east England and is buried their. My greatgran brought up
4 children on her own. Her brother left England in 1912 for the States. Thank-you for the poppy blog-its a nice tribute.
Hello Susan, such an important day- it’s good to remember ! Thank you for the story.
I so hope to go to England next year….planning away!
Great information about the poppies … my mom and dad always got them in November. My dad served in the Navy as a young man.
I love your photos of England! Thank you for sharing. It brings back so many memories.
Your post made me so nostalgic for Remembrance Sundays during my childhood in England. I loved the poppies and was so proud to put my money for one in the box and prouder still to wear it!
Thank you for all the lovely photos of England and the poppies and your domestic bliss… they made me smile and be grateful for mine. We are so fortunate!
The things you love in your childhood, you love all your life. Take a child to buy a poppy! Magic!
My father was an officer in the Royal Navy and I was born as WWII ended. My parents parents talked so often about the friends they lost and their own many “near misses”. We remembered often, not just on Remembrance Day. I wish we did Poppy Day in the US and treated our veterans better.
Your blog is a heartening reminder to us to remember the sacrifices of those who went before us, to fight for freedom and democracy. As a Canadian, I am thankful for the service of both my parents in WWII, and for others in my extended family who have served their country. We have traveled to Blenheim Castle and to the areas you mentioned, and are humbled by the reminders of war dead. There are poppies in the garden at Chatsworth House, as I’m sure there are in other gardens. Wear a poppy: I do!
I loved the story of the poppies! It was so beautiful and I wish we did that here in America. I shall never see a poppy again and not think of this story. Thank you!
Thanks Susan for sharing your English poppy story. I always look forward to having a little red poppy hanging from my rear view mirror on Veterans Day. This year I will have extras as poppys were available at our Fall Festival this past weekend.
Thanks so much for sharing the poppy story. And I loved all the pictures, especially Winston Churchill’s burial site. Suzanne
Such beautiful photos and memories. Thank you for sharing them. My soul longs to live in a small English village. To stop at the tolling of a church bell and remember. What a lovely way to live.
When you are there, you never forget where you came from.
Lovely post…brought back memories of an Easter Sunday spent at Blenheim with family and friends…we were wondering why we were the only ones left meandering out to catch the bus back to our Oxford B&B.Soon discovered the last bus left an hour earlier! The day was saved as we found a lovely restaurant open for Easter dinner and hired a car back to Oxford!
Sometimes the unplanned makes for the best memories!
Hi Susan❣️ I learned about the Poppies when I too was in England in November many years ago. It’s a beautiful tradition! A couple of years ago my sisters and sister-in-law and I wrote a book together … it was a lovely little romance novel that took place right around WWI … When we threw ourselves a book launch party we had little “gifties” for our guests; we were so excited to find a source here, in the U.S., and we were so proud to have Poppies and a beautiful little vignette to explain the significance, encouraging each guest to join us in the remembrance of those lost long ago in that terrible war.
Great read as always Susan.
Another wonderful blog reminding us of what is important—love all the respect.
The poppies are lovely! : 0 )
Love your blogs. Thank you so much for supporting veterans.
This post is sooo precious…thank you for sharing this…i didnt k ow.they did this in England or what it was for. Thank you. My mom gave me a flag today with a poppy in it. What a coincidnce.
This post is sooo precious…thank you for sharing this…i didnt know they did this in England or what it was for. Thank you. My mom gave me a flag today with a poppy in it. What a coincidence.
Saving this post to read for an upcoming stressful day /
you’re words are always so comforting. I use to save your posts to read when I’d be
on business trips and away from my family, or nights when I couldn’t sleep. I’m retired
now so no more trips, but still manage to find things to fret about 🙁
Thank you for always making me feel better, more hopeful. ❤️
What a beautiful English walk through the Day of Remembrance, and to honor those who sacrificed so much. Thank you for helping us “remember”!
Fantastic history lesson. Always love the poppy!
Thanks for your gifts, it is always wonderful for someone to win.
I haven’t seen poppies in years. Perhaps some can be ordered to wear and share? Sweet, sweet tradition.
Hello Susan,
Met a lovely lady on the ferry 2 weekends ago. She lives in England and was on a “New England” tour with a big group. I was happy to share all about MV and of course I had to tell her all about you and your love of England. She promised she would buy your most recent book to read all about your life and adventures. I also shared with her your blog and website. Thanks for all the wonderful stories. Look forward to reading them.
That kind of girlfriend word of mouth is my very favorite, Mary, I can’t thank you enough. xoxo
How interesting about the poppies in England. They sell them in our town every year. I think I’ll start saving mine for a little bouquet and to remember. I don’t know how they’ve managed to keep the old places with adding electricity and plumbing, but I wish more buildings were saved here. So sorry that little sculpture shop was closed when you were there. They looked very cool. The dishes are so cute!
Beautiful! Love the way the poppies are interwoven in every day life. In planters, windows
In pubs, shop windows.
How delightful to visit England with you and Joe. I will wear a poppy because of you!
So beautiful! 🌺❤️ Our dad (an American catholic war veteran ) over 80 years young still sells poppies outside of church each year for Veterans Day rememberance and the donations go to the veterans. It’s a small world 🌎 after all! Such a beautiful post ! Thank you again for sharing your uplifting stories ! And reminding us all to stop and enjoy the little things in life that are always the best- for sure ! 😁🍁🍂🏡
Wonderful post as always! I love that the community as a whole in England observes Armistice day by wearing the poppies. Such a lovely custom that I wish would take hold here in the U.S. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for the poppies. Kansas City Mo has a wonderful memorial and museum dedicated to remembering World War I. It is so well done and makes an emotional impact in addition to educating visitors about this part of our history.
Anytime we see a veteran we thank them for their service. We also thank our police. firefighters and first responders. Respect and honor for those who are willing to sacrifice their lives for our freedom should be everyday and especially on Veterans Day.
What a Beautiful, Touching post !!
Thank You…..Sending Love Your Way !!
Thank you so much, Susan, for your touch of Old England. You just have to love their spirit.
As a little girl I was in the American Legion Auxiliary and went from house to house poppies for a donation. One year I seem to remember we even made them. This was in the early 1950s, less than ten years after the end of WW II. My father was a soldier in the Pacific, was in Japan a month after the end of the war. Scary. So many vets needed help.
Once again you make us feel and think and marvel at our world. PS I Love the picture you posted on Twitter of the garden things. The colors just pop! So attractive. Thanks.
Jeanne from Iowa
I am always so excited to see I have mail from you! This blog was a wonderful reminder of the sacrifice so many have made on our behalf. My grandfather was a world war ll veteran and I’m thankful for what he and so many others have done and still do for our beloved homelands.
Love this post, Susan! I knitted a poppy a few years ago, and I dig it out every November to wear for Veteran’s/remembrance Day. And your new creations are so lovely — like everything you do with your magic wand. 🙋🏻 ❤️✨
As always, your blog is filled with beauty. Thank you for paying homage to the poppy and in particular, the poem about Flanders Field. My father, born in 1916, a WWII vet, would recite it on Veteran’s Day, with a low, gravely voice, making me always feel the importance and poignancy of the words. A fond memory, for sure.
Lovely recounting of a lovely trip, Susan. The British & their traditions, just love the respect of history that is a part of life in the UK. Love the little bouquet of poppies in that Emma Bridgewater jug. I have to thank you for introducing me to that beautiful pottery, I’m obsessed with it!